Aladdin Star Trek lunchbox

The Aladdin Star Trek lunchbox is a highly collectible vintage lunchbox based on the 1960s science fiction television series ‘Star Trek’.

Background

Despite its world-wide popularity today, the original series of Star Trek lasted just three seasons (1966 - 69) before being cancelled due to low ratings. It was in fact almost cancelled after just one season, but was saved due to a letter writing campaign from its fans and returned (albeit with a much lower budget and a different timeslot). The show only achieved worldwide fame after it was shown in syndication across the globe throughout the 1970s.

This led to a wave of merchandise, an animated cartoon series (1973 – 74) and the first of several feature films in 1979. However, there were very few items of merchandise created during the show’s initial 1960s run and they remain highly sought after by collectors.

These rare pieces include an AMT model kit of the U.S.S. Enterprise produced in 1966, a set of Leaf trading cards issued in 1967, a series of comic books published by Gold Key Comics in 1967 and a lunchbox made by Aladdin Industries in 1968.

The Aladdin Star Trek lunchbox

The lunchbox is a domed box with colour illustrated graphics on all sides by artists Bob Burton and Elmer Lehnhardt. The front of the box features an image of the Enterprise flying through space, whilst the back shows Kirk and Spock crouched in a corridor, with Kirk holding a weapon and Spock speaking on a communication device.

The sides of the box show an illustration of Spock and Kirk running through another corridor, both carrying weapons, and another with the pair in the transportation room about to be beamed to another location. The bottom of the box features a wide shot of the Enterprise control room with Kirk, Spock, Checkov and McCoy all present.

The matching thermos flask has a wraparound illustration featuring Spock, Kirk and other secondary (unnamed) crew members on the surface of a planet whilst the Enterprise remains in low orbit above them.

How much is an Aladdin Star Trek lunchbox worth?

The domed 1968 Star Trek lunchbox is one of the most sought after and popular vintage lunchboxes available. Mint condition examples have been reported as selling for more than $1000 at specialist auctions, with the best condition boxes on eBay regularly fetching up to $350. Even top condition thermos flasks have been known to sell individually for up to $250.

Boxes in used condition, with rust, dents and scratches, can still sell for between $100 - $200 without their matching flasks.